Thu Ra, Yangon, Myanmar

My Roots/About Me
I am a Burmese international student from Yangon, Myanmar.

Areas of Study
Economics/Business and Psychology

Cornell Activities
Students in Free Enterprise (SIFE), Eyes of The World, Zeta Tau Psi Fraternity, Mortar Board National Senior Honor Society, Psi Chi Psychology Honor Society, Omicron Delta Epsilon Economics Honor Society, Soccer

Long Term Goal
Executive supply chain management in manufacturing.

Did you have any concerns about fitting in at Cornell?
Before I came to Cornell, I was very worried about the whole process of coming to a different culture and studying in a different language. When I got to Cornell, I realized that it was actually easier than I thought.

What were some of your initial impressions of the campus community?
During the first few weeks, culture shock hit me pretty hard: people greeting different ways, eating different food, conversing on different issues, and doing different activities than what I am used to. However, the friendliness and helpfulness of people at Cornell–particularly in the Intercultural Life office and among my floor mates–helped it to be easier to adjust. People at Cornell, and Iowa in general, are extremely nice.

How have you grown at Cornell?
Coming to Cornell probably was the best decision I’ve made in my life. I think I have become somebody who is better at making decisions, planning, and making friends. I have done two internships with Quaker Oats (PepsiCo). I am currently a tutor in Mount Vernon Middle School. I am also a resident assistant at Cornell.

How would you describe the campus culture to other international students?
Cornell’s campus is very international-student friendly. People are very nice and friendly, and you won’t have difficulty in becoming a part of Cornell. My advice is: “Don’t worry about anything. Just be ready to have a good time!”

Fun Fact
I love fishing at Palisades Park, running around Mount Vernon, and solving Rubik’s Cube in my room.

Thu Ra became an outstanding student at Case Western Reserve University’s Weatherhead School  of Management and was featured on their website.